Where Pinched Nerves Occur
Pinched nerves are not limited to one area of the body. A pinched nerve in the wrist can cause a problem known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Similarly, a pinched nerve in the back may cause lower-body pain, or a herniated spinal disk may cause back problems.
The areas of the body most at risk of pinched nerves are the locations where there is little soft tissue to protect them. Nerves can be compressed between tendons, ligaments and bones, causing the nerve to react. Changes in the bones or discs in the spine (such as a tear, known as a herniated disk) can result in additional pressure on a delicate spinal nerve.
Most pinched nerves are temporary, though painful, conditions. Most people rest and perhaps apply heat to the area, using over-the-counter pain medications for some additional support. That usually relaxes the area enough so that things are back to normal in a few days. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be needed to help relieve pain.
Feeling the Pinch?
Most pinched nerves are accompanied by moderate to severe pain, and the pain may radiate from the nerve location to other areas. It may be accompanied by a numb feeling in the area, a pins-and-needles feeling known technically as paresthesia, a feeling that an extremity has “fallen asleep” and muscle weakness in the area.